National Fertility Awareness Week #NFAWUK : 27 Oct – 2 Nov 2014

21/10/2014

National Fertility Awareness Week #NFAWUK : 27 Oct – 2 Nov 2014

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Between 27 October and 2 November is National Fertility Awareness Week, as arranged by Infertility Network UK.

The aim for the week is to raise awareness around fertility problems which affect both men and women all over the UK, as well as raise funds for much needed research. It’s only the second year that the event has taken place.

Here at CoParents we are incredibly passionate about this cause, and wanted to share with you a few fertility facts, the importance of talking about the topic, as well as ways to get involved in the event.

Fertility Facts

Although the topic is not often discussed, the effect fertility has on people is very significant. These facts should help put things into perspective:

One in six couples have trouble getting pregnant (about 3.5 million people). Source: Daily Mail

A couple is considered infertile after 12 months of trying to become pregnant without any success. Source: NHS

In the UK, of all the couples undergoing in vitro fertilisation, half of them are experiencing female infertility problems and 50% are due to male infertility. Source: Fertility Expert

Infertility in women is often due to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), irregular ovulation, endometriosis or fallopian tube blockage. Infertility in men is often due to a poor quality of sperm i.e. low sperm count or motility. For 25% of all cases, the origin of infertility remains unknown. Source: NHS

In the UK, over 60,000 cycles of in vitro fertilisation are undergone every year. Only 25 percent of these result in live births.

Raising Awareness

It is incredibly important to raise awareness of these issues, not only so that causes of infertility can be dealt with before they become a problem, but so that people are aware of the alternatives they have if they are unable to conceive.

For some, fertility can be improved by simple lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise or by taking medication. For others, the issue is more problematic. Surgery may be required to correct ovulation or sperm issues – but for all too many, there is little that can be done. It’s here where CoParents can help – please read on to find out more.

How To Get Involved

Whether you yourself have dealt with infertility problems, or you know someone else who has, you can take action by getting involved in National Fertility Awareness Week. Here are just some of the ways to take part:

Donate via JustGiving

Talk about the event, or share your own story on social media using the hashtag #NFAWUK

Raise funds by doing a sponsored walk, bake sale or other fundraising event

Volunteer for the Infertility Network

If you are fertile, consider donating eggs or sperm to those who need it most

How CoParents Can Help

If you have fertility problems, you can use our connection service to find sperm or egg donors to support you in your journey to creating a family. Alternatively, if you have fertile sperm or eggs, you can sign up to help.

Many of our members have been able to finally have a baby and change their fortunes through IVF or insemination, with support from donors who are keen to help along the way.